jan/docs/src/pages/post/offline-chatgpt-alternative.mdx
Emre Can Kartal 60447289bd
blog: improve local AI guide for beginners (#4610)
* docs: add DeepSeek R1 local installation guide

- Add comprehensive guide for running DeepSeek R1 locally
- Include step-by-step instructions with screenshots
- Add VRAM requirements and model selection guide
- Include system prompt setup instructions

* docs: add comprehensive guide on running AI models locally

* docs: address PR feedback for DeepSeek R1 and local AI guides

- Improve language and terminology throughout
- Add Linux support information
- Enhance technical explanations
- Update introduction for better flow
- Fix parameters section in run-ai-models-locally.mdx

* docs: improve local AI guides content and linking

- Update titles and introductions for better SEO
- Add opinionated guidance section for beginners
- Link DeepSeek guide with general local AI guide
- Fix typos and improve readability

* fix: remove git conflict markers from deepseek guide frontmatter

* docs: improve local AI guide for beginners

Key improvements:
- Add detailed explanation of GGUF and why it's needed
- Improve content structure and readability
- Add visual guides with SEO-friendly images
- Enhance llama.cpp explanation with GitHub link
- Fix heading hierarchy for better navigation
- Add practical examples and common questions
- Update image paths and captions for better SEO

Technical details:
- Add proper image alt text and captions
- Link to llama.cpp GitHub repository
- Clarify model size requirements
- Simplify hardware requirements section
- Improve heading structure (h1-h5)
- Add step-by-step model installation guide

* docs: add offline ChatGPT alternative guide with Jan

- Add comprehensive guide on using Jan as offline ChatGPT alternative
- Include step-by-step instructions for setup
- Add images for document chat feature
- Optimize content for SEO with relevant keywords

* docs: update description to emphasize computer-local aspect

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Co-authored-by: Louis <louis@jan.ai>
2025-02-10 09:43:07 +07:00

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---
title: "Offline ChatGPT: You can't run ChatGPT offline, do this instead"
description: "Learn how to use AI offline with Jan - a free, open-source alternative to ChatGPT that works 100% offline on your computer."
tags: AI, ChatGPT alternative, offline AI, Jan, local AI, privacy
categories: guides
date: 2025-02-08
ogImage: _assets/offline-chatgpt-alternatives-jan.jpg
twitter:
card: summary_large_image
site: "@jandotai"
title: "Offline ChatGPT: You can't run ChatGPT offline, do this instead"
description: "Want to use ChatGPT offline? Learn how to run AI models locally with Jan - free, open-source, and works without internet."
image: _assets/offline-chatgpt-alternatives-jan.jpg
---
import { Callout } from 'nextra/components'
import CTABlog from '@/components/Blog/CTA'
# Offline ChatGPT: You can't run ChatGPT offline, do this instead
ChatGPT is a cloud-based service that requires internet access. However, it's not the only way to use AI. You can run AI models offline on your device with [Jan](https://jan.ai/). It's completely free, open-source, and gives you 100% offline capability. You can even use AI on a plane!
<Callout>
**Quick Summary:**
- ChatGPT always needs internet - it can't run offline
- Jan lets you run AI models 100% offline on your computer
- It's free and open-source
- Works on Mac, Windows, and Linux
</Callout>
## Jan as an offline ChatGPT alternative
![Use Jan to chat with AI models without internet access](./_assets/offline-chatgpt-alternative-ai-without-internet.jpg)
*Jan lets you use AI offline - no internet connection needed*
Here's how to get started with offline AI in 3 simple steps:
### 1. Download Jan
Go to [jan.ai](https://jan.ai) and download the version for your computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux). It's completely free.
![Download Jan for offline AI use](./_assets/jan.ai.jpg "Get Jan for free and start using AI offline")
### 2. Download an AI model
You'll need an AI model to use AI offline, so download a model from Jan. Once it's on your computer, you don't need internet anymore.
![Choose an AI model that works offline](./_assets/jan-model-selection.jpg "Find the perfect AI model for offline use")
*Select an AI model that matches your needs and computer capabilities*
<Callout>
**Which model should you choose?**
- For most computers: Try Mistral 7B or DeepSeek - they're similar to ChatGPT 3.5
- For older computers: Use smaller 3B models
- For gaming PCs: You can try larger 13B models
Don't worry about choosing - Jan will automatically recommend models that work well on your computer.
</Callout>
### 3. Start using AI offline
![Chat with AI offline using Jan's interface](./_assets/run-ai-locally-with-jan.jpg "Experience ChatGPT-like interactions without internet")
*Use Jan's clean interface to chat with AI - no internet required*
Once downloaded, you can use AI anywhere, anytime:
- Chat like you do with ChatGPT
- Work on documents offline
- Get coding help without internet
- Keep your conversations private
- Use AI even when servers are down
## How to chat with your docs in Jan?
To chat with your docs in Jan, you need to activate experimental mode.
![Activate experimental mode in Jan's settings](./_assets/chat-with-your-docs-offline-ai.jpg "Enable experimental features to chat with your documents")
*Turn on experimental mode in settings to chat with your docs*
After activating experimental mode, simply add your files and ask questions about them.
![Chat with your documents using Jan](./_assets/chat-with-docs-prompt.jpg "Ask questions about your documents offline")
*Chat with your documents privately - no internet needed*
I did this for you and got a reply from a 7B parameter model. If you'd like to learn what "7B" means and understand other local AI terms, check our [guide on running AI models locally](/post/run-ai-models-locally).
A response from AI, Qwen2.5 7B Instruct Q4:
`This document appears to be about the benefits and advantages of running artificial intelligence (AI) models locally on your device rather than using cloud-based or remote AI services. The key points it highlights include data privacy, offline functionality, freedom from paywalls and restrictions, and giving users full control over their AI models. Additionally, the text mentions that local AI is becoming a new trend and provides a link to a guide for beginners who want to learn more about this topic.`
Local AI makes possible offline AI use, so Jan is going to be your first step to get started.
## Why choose Jan over ChatGPT?
1. **True Offline Use:** Unlike ChatGPT, Jan works without internet
2. **100% Private:** Your data never leaves your computer
3. **Free Forever:** No subscriptions or API costs
4. **No Server Issues:** No more "ChatGPT is at capacity"
5. **Your Choice of Models:** Use newer models as they come out
**"Is it really free? What's the catch?"**
Yes, it's completely free and open source. Jan is built by developers who believe in making AI accessible to everyone.
**"How does it compare to ChatGPT?"**
Modern open-source models like DeepSeek and Mistral are very capable. While they might not match GPT-4, they're perfect for most tasks and getting better every month.
**"Do I need a powerful computer?"**
If your computer is from the last 5 years, it will likely work fine. You need about 8GB of RAM and 10GB of free space for comfortable usage.
**"What about my privacy?"**
Everything stays on your computer. Your conversations, documents, and data never leave your device unless you choose to share them.
Want to learn more about the technical side? Check our detailed [guide on running AI models locally](/post/run-ai-models-locally). It's not required to [use AI offline](https://jan.ai/) but helps understand how it all works.
## Need help?
<Callout type="info">
[Join our Discord community](https://discord.gg/Exe46xPMbK) for support and tips on using Jan as your offline ChatGPT alternative.
</Callout>